The good, bad, and the ugly
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2001 Ford F150
The good, bad, and the ugly
Hello, new member here from the Houston, Tx area. I didn't see a specific forum for new member introduction but I'm looking into purchasing my first Mercedes Benz. My mother recently purchased a very clean low mileage 2002 E430 and after driving it and doing some reading, have decided to purchase a Benz of my own. As much as I like the E430, I don't think it would be cool to be driving the same car that my mother drives, LOL. I consider myself a decent and competent mechanic, I've rebuilt my share of engines and transmissions and have brought more than one car back to life. I have been looking at the mid 90's E and S series 420s, I like the straightforward classic styling and body lines of those cars. What are the common problems I should be looking for, and are there any particularly bad years or models I should avoid?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
SL600 r230, SL600 r129, SL500 r230, ML320, C280 Sport, R170 450SL, 190e 2.3 16V (2)
Common issue across the board:
Bad engine wiring harnesses on all models, somewhere between about 1992 and 1996. They decided to go green and used biodegradable insulation. It worked very well.
If you buy a car, also buy the repair manual on CD - you can buy from Mercedes or on ebay. The CDs cover every repair possible.
Also subscribe to the online epc - it is free for residents of the US, but you do have to input a CC that proves you do in fact live in the us. But no charge.
http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
Once you do decide on a car, ask questions on that particular year and model.
Bad engine wiring harnesses on all models, somewhere between about 1992 and 1996. They decided to go green and used biodegradable insulation. It worked very well.
If you buy a car, also buy the repair manual on CD - you can buy from Mercedes or on ebay. The CDs cover every repair possible.
Also subscribe to the online epc - it is free for residents of the US, but you do have to input a CC that proves you do in fact live in the us. But no charge.
http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
Once you do decide on a car, ask questions on that particular year and model.
